Who got Psionics in my Dnd?

[Mallus]

I think the inclusion of psionics in D&D were a reflection of the kind of playing around w/genre conventions that was happening in some SF/F during the 70's, with authors importing fantasy conventions into science fiction (like Bradley's Darkover series) and SF conventions into fantasy (like Kurtz's Deryni cycle).

D&D has always been a big ole stew full of nerdery. It's not surprising that 'psionics' (which is always just a science-fictionalizing of old-fashioned mysticism) got thrown into the pot.

 

[Rechan]

Uh...I don't agree with that.

Many of the psionic powers we think of as "post modern" were derived from legends ancient Eastern philosophies dating back to at least 1200-900 BCE. The masters of Qi/Ki/Prana/Lung manipulation were said to have abilities like astral projection, healing or harming touch, levitation/flight, walking through walls, various powers of mind over matter (including drawing on energy to strengthen the mind and body), even some kinds of energy projection (usually fire) and more. Eventually, those abilities were co-opted by the psychics of the past 200 or so years and the more modern new age movement.

Don't forget that ninja were said to have astral projecting powers (or at least, clairvoyance), able to see their targets from miles away. And the ability to cloud men's minds, in order to slip away unseen.

Speaking of which, we all ready have some psionic creatures in the game. And no, not just the illithid. Look at the Doppelganger. In 3e, it can read thoughts. In 4e, the Doppelganger assassin can cloud minds, making it invisible to others that it hits. THat's an offensive power, not just "you are invisible".

 

[Cadfan]

Psionics is mostly naming convention and mechanical differences in D&D.

But I have high hopes that this will change. Or at least that the mechanical differences will create gameplay differences rather than just resource management subsystems.

The reason that psionics tend to be so similar to classical magic is because they both derive from the same historical superstitions. If you want to talk to the dead, do you use magic or psychic powers? Depends which era's superstitions you're looking to for an answer.

Right now, I'm not completely sure what niche 4e psionics should hold. If you want someone who clouds their enemy's minds, teleports around the battlefield, and dominates their foes, the fey pact warlock has you covered. If you want a pyrokineticist, the wizard, infernal pact warlock, or genasi has you covered. Etc. I'm not sure where the psionicist fits in. But I'm sure some smart person can figure it out.